The United Way of St. Johns and Putnam Counties raised about $270,000 and honored two community leaders at the ninth annual Givers Gala.
Proceeds support the United Way’s work in four focus areas: healthy community, educational opportunity, community resiliency and financial security.
Theresa Odom, manager of kitchen operations at Bread of Life Palatka,received the Nancy Burns Trailblazer Award, and William Dudley, chairman of the St. Johns County Veterans Council, received the Chair’s Award.
Odom, Putnam County’s first female patrol officer, spent 30 years in law enforcement before shifting to community service. In 2019 she helped prepare meals at Bread of Life and became a volunteer leader reviving the struggling soup kitchen.
Dudley, a retired Air Force lieutenant colonel, spent about 45 years in the aerospace industry. Since retiring, he devoted himself to veterans advocacy, including the Veterans Treatment Court, Veterans Village for formerly homeless veterans and veteran access to health care.
bcravey@jacksonville.com, (904) 359-4109
This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: United Way gala raises $270,000, honors 2 community leaders
Reporting by Beth Reese Cravey, Jacksonville Florida Times-Union / Florida Times-Union
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